Manufacturing, Characterization, and Simulation Model Design for a Current Sensor Based on a Spin-Valve Magnetoresistive Microstructure

In this work, two PSpice models for a current sensor based on spin-valve (SV) magnetoresistive microstructures are described and validated. The magnetic SVs are patterned, optimized, and characterized in terms of magnetoresitive ratio, sensitivity, and linearity. Starting from the experimental characteristics of the sensor, the first model is implemented using the lookup table (LUT) method, which is a table-based approach to empirical modeling. The second proposed model is based on the analytical description of the experimental characteristic of the sensor and the implementation of the higher order polynomial in PSpice. Experimental data were interpolated in MATLAB using the spline curve which was fitted with polynomials of different orders and the coefficients are used as input data in the PSpice model. Once the designed PSpice models are validated, they can be successfully used to model the behavior of other types of magnetoresistive structures and may be easily adaptable to integrated sensors produced by industrial manufacturers.

Automated summary

This paper describes and validates two PSpice models for a current sensor based on spin-valve magnetoresistive microstructures. The magnetic spin-valves are patterned, optimized, and characterized in terms of magnetoresistive ratio, sensitivity, and linearity. One model is implemented using the lookup table method, while the other model is based on the analytical description of the experimental characteristics and the implementation of a higher order polynomial. Experimental data is interpolated in MATLAB and used as input data for the PSpice models. Once validated, these PSpice models can be used to model the behavior of other types of magnetoresistive structures and easily adapted to integrated sensors produced by industrial manufacturers.